The Course

RIDE 240KM OVER 2 DAYS ALONG A SPECTACULAR COURSE FROM SYDNEY TO CALAIS ESTATE WINERY IN THE HUNTER VALLEY.

RIDE 250KM OVER 2 DAYS ALONG A SPECTACULAR COURSE FROM SYDNEY TO THE CALAIS ESTATE WINERY IN THE HUNTER VALLEY

DAY 1 Barker College to Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

140km | 1299m Elevation

Day one kicks off at Barker College in Hornsby, with riders travelling under police escort to the iconic Old Pacific Highway where they will begin their descent to the Hawkesbury River from Cowan. Riders will cross the Hawkesbury Bridge at Brooklyn, the northernmost suburb of the Sydney, and start the climb from Mount White to the tiny township of Calga through Peats Ridge. The first coffee stop awaits at Kulnura.

Back on the bike fully charged, riders will travel through the bushland beauty of Bucketty and Laguna to the quaint village town of Wollombi for a well-earned lunch. The last leg of day one takes riders onto Wollombi Road to Cessnock, the gateway to the vineyards of the Hunter Valley. The day finishes with massages and a presentation dinner at the stunning Crowne Plaza Resort in Lovedale.

DAY 2Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley to Calais Estate Winery

100km | 1019m Elevation

Day 2 takes riders through picturesque vineyard country before finishing at Calais Estate where a relaxed long lunch awaits.

It may be beautiful, but this is an undulating and challenging course – the road is bumpy in sections but the scenery is unforgettable. Riders will see the Hunter Valley in all its glory, spending the morning cycling through the rolling vineyards of Lovedale, then the townships of Keinbah, Bishops Bridge and Telarah before crossing the New England Highway to the scenic rural country side around Aberglasslyn.

Riders will stretch their legs and break for coffee among the historic buildings of Branxton, before hitting the road through the commuter town of Belford.

The ride finishes at the one of the showpieces of the Hunter – the boutique Calais Estate winery. Riders will celebrate their epic achievement with family and friends at a relaxed long luncheon with among sweeping views of the beautiful vineyard.